Why Foster?
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Many rescues, just like ours, rely on foster homes to care for the dogs we take in.
Fostering allows the dogs to settle into a 'normal' environment and helps them adjust to home-life before they are adopted. Many of the dogs that come to us require special attention such as toilet training, lead walking, socialisation with other dogs, assessment around cats, and basic training around the home - attention which is almost impossible to give dogs living in kennels. Kennel spaces cost £250 per dog, per month. If a dog is in foster we can save this money and spend it on vet treatment and food - costs which the charity covers while the dog is in foster. For many, the most difficult part of fostering will be the day they need to say goodbye. Some dogs are in foster for a few weeks, others may stay longer and some even get adopted by their foster families - a term we've affectionately coined the 'failed foster club'. As hard as goodbyes can be, without foster homes these dogs would either end up being put down or spend considerable time in kennels. We are very grateful to all our amazing fosters! |
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What to Expect as a Fosterer
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Although fostering is a volunteer service, certain expenses are covered by ADDR. Dog food can be collected directly from us, or with proof of receipt, we can provide refunds up to £20 per month towards dog food. All medical expenses are also covered by the charity when using one of our approved vets for authorised visits. Certain foster dogs may need treatments such as vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering while in foster care. Assistance such as transportation may be provided in certain cases. To help support each other, all of our fosterers are added to our foster group where they can benefit from the advice and assistance of fellow fosterers and co-ordinators. Each foster dog will also have a co-ordinator in charge of rehoming the dog who will stay in touch to learn more about the dog's temperament and behaviour so they can help place it in a suitable adoption home. All dogs will have had basic assessments before being placed to ensure they fit with you and your environment. When joining as a foster, you will be asked to sign a foster agreement and be given a starter pack which includes some help and advice such as common health complaints and things that can be done without a vet visit. Whilst our dogs are fully insured they must be kept on lead at all times when they are outside your garden (if you have an enclosed garden). If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, please get in touch with us by completing a foster enquiry form and our foster coordinator will aim to be in touch within 7-10 days. |
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Disclaimer: We do not place our dogs in foster homes with children under the age of 5 and we do not place our dogs in adopted homes with children under the age of 8 due to the dog's unknown history.
There may be exceptions dependent on history. We apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience.